In November 2023, a branch of Zus Coffee, a well-known local coffee chain in Kuala Lumpur, experienced a heated conflict between a customer and a staff member. Both parties threw beverages and objects at each other, sparking widespread online discussion. This article delves into the sequence of events, analyzes the key points of the brand’s two official statements, explores the protection of frontline employees’ rights in the coffee industry, and offers suggestions for handling common frictions in service settings — helping readers understand the truths behind service and communication in such incidents. [more…]

Among the “Insect Specials” series launched by the Beijing Museum of Everything, a coffee infused with real processed insect flakes has sparked heated discussion. Priced at 45 yuan, this specialty drink sprinkles crushed cockroaches and mealworms on top of the coffee, pushing the boundaries of both sight and taste while igniting debates around entomophagy and food safety. This article delves into the design concept, ingredient sourcing, and market response of this unusual beverage, offering insight into its cultural significance and practical details. [more…]

Many pour over enthusiasts tend to tap or press down the coffee bed before pouring water, aiming for a more uniform extraction. However, excessive or improperly applied tapping may trigger the "Brazil Nut Effect," causing fine particles to sink and coarse particles to rise. This, in turn, affects heat and moisture distribution during the blooming stage and throws off the overall extraction balance. This article delves into the causes of this phenomenon and offers practical advice on how to handle the coffee bed properly—helping you avoid uneven or over-extracted brews and enhancing the flavor profile of your pour over coffee. [more…]

Once coffee beans are ground into powder, their aroma and flavor begin to deteriorate rapidly, significantly shortening their shelf life. So how long can ground coffee maintain its optimal drinking condition? Experiments have found that its shelf life is about two-thirds that of whole beans—approximately 30 days. This article delves into the reasons behind the loss of ground coffee flavor, the logic behind calculating its shelf life, and provides professionally recommended sealing, portioning, and storage techniques to help coffee enthusiasts enjoy a richly layered pour over coffee before the flavors disappear. [more…]

The flavor of espresso can vary daily due to bean condition or environmental humidity, leaving you puzzled. This article will guide you from practical operation—by observing extraction time and flavor characteristics—to determine whether it’s under-extracted or over-extracted. Then, flexibly adjust the three key variables: grind size, dose, and liquid yield. Using the classic 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio and a 30-second extraction baseline, you can quickly dial in a balanced and rich espresso without repeated trial and error, significantly improving extraction stability. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts wonder whether a moka pot can replace an espresso machine in producing authentic espresso. This article will delve into a comparison between the two in terms of extraction pressure, crema performance, and coffee concentration, and use measured data to illustrate the moka pot’s performance in specialty coffee applications. By understanding these key factors, you can make a more informed choice, whether for home use or for the pursuit of flavor. [more…]

During latte art, the texture of milk foam directly affects the quality of the pattern. Common issues such as foam that is too thick, too thin, or layered often make latte art more difficult. This article delves into several practical adjustment methods, including shaking the pitcher, scooping off excess foam, pitcher tipping, and pre-infusion, helping you quickly adapt even when faced with less-than-ideal milk foam and still create smooth, detailed latte art patterns. [more…]

Have you ever seen someone else using a white mug with the Starbucks mermaid logo in a Starbucks store, but never had the chance to use one yourself? In the past, Starbucks staff would proactively offer in-store ceramic cups, but nowadays this service has almost disappeared. What’s behind the growing difficulty of actually seeing these popular mugs? From the theft issues faced by employees to customers’ concerns about tableware cleanliness, this article delves into the real reasons and also provides practical consumer advice. [more…]

This trademark controversy involving "People's Coffee" has not only led to a brand name change and store adjustments but also sparked widespread discussion on the compliance of commercial terminology. From the temporary closure of the first national store to the successive renaming of outlets across the country, this article will take you through the full story, official responses, and the practical impact on consumers. [more…]

Do you often find your homemade espresso tasting watery and lacking aroma? This article will guide you through analyzing coffee-to-water ratio, extraction time, flavor changes across different stages of the shot, and strategies for different roast levels — to uncover the real reason why your espresso isn’t strong enough. Master the correct espresso extraction method to ensure every cup is full of depth and aroma. [more…]

When a customer noted “make it lighter in flavor” on their coffee order, they received a receipt with detailed explanations handwritten in red pen by the staff. A misunderstanding arising from the method of communication escalated into a widely discussed customer complaint online. This incident, which took place at a chain coffee shop, not only highlights the limitations in beverage customization but also sparks public discussion on how the service industry provides feedback. This article delves into the full story, explores recommendations for baristas handling special orders, and advises customers on how to effectively communicate their needs. [more…]

On November 6, the North American Starbucks holiday collection saw a peak in new releases, with one glass cold brew bear cup—previously unveiled in South Korea—triggering a buying frenzy. Originally priced under $30, the cup’s resale value has soared to over $1,500, marking an increase of more than tenfold. This article delves into the purchasing phenomenon surrounding this limited-edition merchandise, explores the brand’s supply strategy and market response, and offers practical collecting advice. [more…]

Tea’s Berry recently launched its Global Flavors series of hot drinks, featuring three special blends: Caramel Crunch, Vanilla Cocoa, and Dark Chocolate Cocoa, all marketed with winter-themed posters to attract consumers. However, the actual small volume of just 300ml and pricing between 14 and 17 yuan have sparked heated discussion, with many users considering the cost-performance ratio to be on the low side. Additionally, the combination of thick, long straws with the mini-sized cups has become a focal point of online mockery. This article provides a detailed analysis of the new product’s specifications, market feedback, and real-world experience to help readers determine whether it’s worth trying. [more…]

Insomnia or palpitations after drinking coffee are often related to caffeine intake and bean variety. This article delves into the caffeine differences between Arabica and Robusta, breaks down how dosage and brewing methods affect a cup’s stimulating effect, and introduces decaffeination techniques to help caffeine-sensitive individuals find their ideal choice. [more…]

Starbucks has quietly updated the background music in its stores nationwide. The previously familiar jazz and blues styles have been replaced by classic Chinese pop hits from the 2000s, including tracks by artists such as Jay Chou, David Tao, and Jolin Tsai, sparking lively discussions among customers. This change has not only made the store atmosphere more relatable but also surprised many patrons. This article will delve into the reasons behind the playlist update, customer feedback, and when the original style might return, helping you stay up to date with the latest developments. [more…]

Want iced coffee in summer without sacrificing flavor complexity? Many coffee enthusiasts try hot brewing followed by adding ice, but often find the taste becomes diluted. This article provides an empirical analysis revealing why hot-brewed coffee with added ice leads to loss of concentration and flavor, and offers professional adjustment solutions—including grind size optimization, coffee-to-water-to-ice ratio, and water temperature control—to help you enjoy a cool drinking experience while preserving rich fruity notes and full-bodied juiciness. [more…]

Oil-washed coffee is an innovative technique that combines fats with coffee. By leveraging the aromatic transfer of oils, it imparts a smoother, silkier mouthfeel and a richer flavor profile to the coffee. This article will delve into the principles of the oil-washing method—from ingredient selection and ratio blending to practical step-by-step procedures. Using examples such as butter-oil washed Golden Mandheling and coconut oil-washed cold brew, we provide detailed production processes and practical advice. Whether you're DIY-ing at home or aiming to understand the logic behind café specialty drinks, you’ll find valuable insights. [more…]

As temperatures drop, toffee hazelnut-flavored beverages have once again become a hot topic. Luckin’s upcoming "Toffee Hazelnut Milk Tea" has drawn attention from both employees and consumers, with online rumors suggesting it uses long-overstocked ingredients in a mix-and-match approach, and that the classic Toffee Hazelnut Latte formula has also been altered. This article delves into the potential issues with the new product’s formula, market reactions, and the taste discrepancy consumers may face, helping you make a more informed choice. [more…]

'People's Cafe' has rapidly expanded to nearly 30 directly operated stores across 18 provinces and 20 cities. However, its parent company has had multiple applications to register the 'People's Cafe' trademark rejected, and currently only holds registered trademarks that include the characters '潮' (trend) or '要潮' (to be trendy). This article delves into the controversies surrounding the store’s name compliance, trademark usage standards, and potential legal risks, helping readers understand crucial trademark strategies that cannot be overlooked in brand management. [more…]

The recent collaboration between Luckin Coffee and the Japanese anime "Demon Slayer" has sparked widespread discussion, but the sales of the merchandise have not met expectations. What led to such polarized fan reactions? From combo pricing to design choices, this article delves into the highlights and controversies of the campaign, helping readers understand the consumer psychology and market strategy behind brand collaborations. [more…]